here’s your chef

I grew up in El Salvador, in a little town where every celebration happened in the kitchen. My mom was the one everyone called when there was a birthday, a wedding, a church event — anything. I learned early that food wasn’t just food. It was how we showed up for each other.

At 16, I left my home country in search of new opportunities, working tirelessly to build a better life for myself. When I walked into Rossoblu, it felt familiar in a way I didn’t expect. I started as a dishwasher, and over time I worked my way through the kitchen — learning everything I could, asking questions, watching closely. Over the years, I immersed myself in the craft, gaining invaluable experience from the talented chefs who shaped the kitchen. Through dedication and hard work, I built strong friendships and mentorships, especially with Steve and Dina Samson, who have been instrumental in my journey.

Living and working in Los Angeles opened my eyes to how many cultures are woven into this city — how each community brings its own flavor, its own pride, its own story. That’s what inspired me to create Taste of LA: a way to honor where I come from, while celebrating the incredible diversity of the place I now call home. It’s food that brings people together — just like it always has.

~ Chef Gerson Rivas